The ABS and Statistics New Zealand (SNZ) have completed a review of the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO). The resulting classification (ANZSCO Version 1.2) builds on a review conducted in 2009 (ANZSCO First Edition, Revision 1) following the classification's introduction in 2006.

ANZSCO Version 1.2 implements changes to the occupation (6-digit) level to add newly emerging occupations; delete or merge declining occupations; change titles of occupations and amend alternative titles or specialisations within an occupation. A small set of changes at the next highest level of the classification (the unit group) were made but were limited to changes in unit group titles, relevant lead statements and lists of tasks.

New occupations were added where a minimum size guideline of 300 full-time employees in Australia and/or 100 full-time employees in New Zealand was satisfied. Statistical viability ensures occupations are able to be accurately and consistently identified in statistical surveys, censuses and administrative datasets.

The number of occupations identified in ANZSCO Version 1.2 represents a net increase of nine compared to ANZSCO First Edition, Revision 1. Of the new occupations created, one was in Major Group 1 (Managers), six in Major Group 2 (Professionals), two in Major Group 3 (Technicians and Trades Workers) and one in Major Group 4 (Community and Personal Service Workers). One occupation was deleted from Major Group 2.

The following table indicates the number of categories at each level for the respective versions of ANZSCO.

Hierarchical Level

ANZSCO Version 1.2 (2013)

ANZSCO Revision 1 (2009)

ANZSCO (2006)

Major Group

8

8

8

Sub-Major Group

43

43

43

Minor Group

97

97

97

Unit Group

358

358

358

Occupation

1 023

1 014

998

The following table shows the distribution of categories within the respective major groups in ANZSCO Version 1.2.

Major Group

Sub-Major Groups

Minor Groups

Unit Groups

Occupations

1 Managers

4

11

38

99

2 Professionals

7

23

100

318

3 Technicians and Trades Workers

7

21

66

179

4 Community and Personal Service Workers

5

9

36

105

5 Clerical and Administrative Workers

7

12

33

80

6 Sales Workers

3

5

19

37

7 Machinery Operators and Drivers

4

7

22

77

8 Labourers

6

9

44

128

A complete list of changes (by code number) is available in ANZSCO Version 1.2 on the downloads tab.